Bryan Singer's critically acclaimed X-Men: Days of Future Past grossed a strong $8.1 million as it rolled out in 2,900 North American theaters Thursday night at 10 p.m.

The 20th Century Fox tentpole is expected to pass $100 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, marking the top opening of the year to date and besting the $95 million, three-day debut of Captain America: The Winter Solider in late April.

Fox is being more cautious in its projections, saying $95 million to $100 million. The studio notes the strength of Godzilla, which heads into its second weekend. Last week, Godzilla took in $9.3 million as it rolled out Thursday night, although it began playing at 7 p.m. The Amazing Spider-Man 2, opening at 8 p.m. Thursday night, took in $8.7 million.

The other new nationwide offering in North America is the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore comedy Blended, which may have trouble getting much past $30 million in its debut. One mitigating factor is the film's relatively modest $45 million budget.

The Warner Bros. movie, reuniting the stars for the third time, revolves around two single parents who end up on an African safari together with their kids.